Alcatel-Lucent introduces radio interface to lower power consumption and operational costs of mobile ultra-broadband access in public locations

Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) is to introduce a radio interface for distributed antenna systems (DAS) to allow mobile operators to improve signal performance while reducing power consumption, space and operational costs by as much as 90 percent when connecting subscribers at large public venues, such as shopping malls, hotels and office blocks.

 

Alcatel-Lucent has launched the Distributed Antenna System Radio Frequency Module, a wideband low-power LTE interface card which removes the need for bulky radio technology in a public installation. Working together with Alcatel-Lucent’s LTE radio access portfolio, the DAS RFM connects to Alcatel-Lucent’s 9926 digital baseband unit, working directly with the analog DAS through RF signals that consume just one-eighth of the power and heat dissipation of an average remote radio head, reducing space requirements and optimizing costs. 

 

The launch of Alcatel-Lucent’s DAS RFM comes at a time of rising use of distributed antenna systems, particularly by mobile providers in the United States and China, as demand grows for high-speed, ultra-broadband access in busy public locations. In order to connect to a DAS today, service providers must deploy remote radio heads alongside duplexers and attenuators to reduce output power, as well as cooling equipment in areas where there is often limited space.

 

Bell Labs has completed a study on the cost savings delivered by the new DAS RFM, compared to a traditional RRH and associated equipment. The study shows that by reducing equipment and power requirements, service providers can realise:

By connecting the DAS RFM into Alcatel-Lucent’s distributed radio access network architecture, operators can also take advantage of scalable technology. The 9926 digital baseband unit, connecting into a number of distributed radios, can divert capacity where needed when there are spikes in traffic, redistributing capacity to other radios when no longer required. 

 

Commenting on the launch, Nick Marshall, Research Director of ABI Research said: “Alcatel-Lucent’s new DAS RFM solves a major problem for operators and building owners alike. In the most densely populated areas where DAS technology is commonly deployed, space is a premium and lease costs are high. Alcatel-Lucent’s product will reduce the amount of equipment needed and with neutral host capabilities it can connect to any DAS.”